David E. Hill

Following a remarkable life David, (affectionately called Pawpaw) was peacefully called “Home” to Heaven three days after celebrating his 88th birthday.

In 2 Timothy 2:15, “Being diligent to present yourself to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

David was born in and lived his entire life in Shreveport, LA. The fourth son of his parents, Edward A. Hill, Sr. and Annie L. Hill. David was born hearing impaired but self-taught himself to read lips in order to communicate with others. David attended Shreveport schools and graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1954.

David liked the color red but was known to wear purple & gold often when rooting for his “Tigers”. He liked all kinds of food (the man could EAT) but was particularly partial to red velvet cake, barbeque ribs, cajun etouffee, and just plain vanilla ice cream. He liked to take rides into the country and traveling by car. He did not like freeways but preferred the smaller highways where he could see the land and stop at local attractions. He enjoyed football, hunting and fishing, and any sport his grandchildren or great grandchildren were involved in. He liked yardwork and took pride in working to make his home and yard beautiful.

David worked for 48 years for “Ridgeway’s” a reproduction and blue print company in downtown Shreveport. He knew his daily commute really well. Being hearing impaired from birth the noise of the copiers, blue printers, and press machinery did not bother him as he was meticulous in his work preparation and presentation. David was active at Brookwood Baptist Church through his Sunday School class, and other volunteer areas where he mowed and maintained the yards of several widows in the church as a way to help others for the Lord.

David loved the Lord. He loved being at church and around his church friends at Brookwood and at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler this past year. Even if he could not hear the music or the sermon the spirit of Godly fellowship drew him and comforted him.

David loved his wife, JoAnn Hill (called Mawmaw by her family), not by hugs and kisses but by devotion. If David was present, JoAnn would never pump gas or wash the car, or open a door. David maintained the flower beds and flowers at their home not because he loved flowers but because JoAnn did. As JoAnn’s health faded the last several years David cooked, cleaned, did the laundry and maintained the house and yard so JoAnn could stay at their home. Pawpaw loved his family. He found great joy in encouraging and spending time with his family. David and JoAnn would often travel hours just to say “hi” or to attend a sporting event or performances. David and JoAnn hosted the family for most holidays with way too many presents at Christmas and an overabundance of food, laughs, and wonderful memories. David and JoAnn were blessed with two daughters, five grandsons, and ten great children with another one on the way.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Edward A. Hill, Sr. and Annie L Hill; his wife of 64 years, JoAnn Chandler Hill; his infant daughter Linda Katherine Hill; his three brothers: Edward A. Hill, Jr., Robert R. Hill, and Thomas L. Hill and their wives. Other family members preceding David in death include: Joe and Betty Curlee, Claude and Martha McMichael, Margaret Murphy and infant granddaughter, Alicia Peek.

David’s joy and zest for life will be missed by his daughter, Janet R. May and husband, Harry; grandsons: Harrison May; Brock Peek and wife, Sammi; Andrew May and wife, Kennedy; Benjamin May and wife, Morgan; Grant May and wife, Amanda, and ten great grandchildren. Other surviving family members including: sister-in-law Pat Morgan and husband Nolan, brother-in-law Harold Chandler and wife Connie along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

David E. Hill’s life was defined by loving his Lord, wife, family, and by serving his church and community.

In Matthew 25:21 “His Lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”